| Picking out a snowboard can be difficult because there | | | | their height will want to get a board that is a bit stiffer, |
| are so many brands and types to choose from. Three | | | | and lighter riders will want to get a board that offers |
| major types of boards are freestyle, alpine, and | | | | more flex. |
| freeride. When picking out a snowboard, you need to | | | | Also, don't forget about the width of the board. If you |
| determine what style of riding you are going to be | | | | have smaller feet this won't be as much of an issue |
| doing, and get a board specific to that type of riding. If | | | | for you. However, a person with larger feet needs to |
| you are going to be spending your time in the half-pipe | | | | make sure their toes (in their boots) don't hang of their |
| a freestyle board is best for you. Freeride is best if | | | | board. If they do, your toes can catch in the snow |
| you are going to be making runs down the hill, and | | | | making it more probable for you to fall. If you have |
| alpine will be best if you are up for some high-speed | | | | bigger feet, you will need to get a wider board. |
| racing. | | | | When starting out, it is a good idea to first rent |
| Another important aspect of picking out a board is | | | | equipment, because snowboarding is expensive. |
| making sure that you get boots and bindings that go | | | | Buying the equipment before actually deciding if you |
| with the board. Each set up is going to have its own | | | | enjoy snowboarding can be a waste of money. Going |
| characteristics specific to the type of riding that a | | | | to your local store and talking to the sales people to |
| person will be doing. | | | | see if they rent can be the best way to test set ups |
| Beginners should start with a freestyle ( or freeride | | | | to see which one is the best for you while you are still |
| board, freestyle bindings and soft boots. This set up is | | | | learning. |
| going to give you some forgiveness when learning. | | | | Once you have decided that snowboarding is right for |
| Shorter boards are also better for beginners because | | | | you, and are ready to go and buy your own gear, the |
| this allows them to maneuver and steer the board | | | | best time for you to go is going to be at the end of |
| easier. The board should come up between your | | | | season. The best deals will come out at the end of the |
| shoulders and nose. The height of the board isn't the | | | | season when stores are trying to get rid of their |
| only thing to consider though. | | | | merchandise to have room for the upcoming season |
| Flex is another aspect to look at. Heavier riders for | | | | of whatever it may be. |